10.1 Mars Atmosphere
Mars has a thin CO₂ atmosphere with surface pressure only 0.6% of Earth's. Global dust storms, polar ice caps, and ancient evidence of water make it a fascinating study.
Atmospheric Properties
6 hPa
Surface pressure
95% CO₂
Main constituent
-60°C
Mean temperature
Key Features
Dust Storms
Global dust storms can obscure the entire planet. Driven by surface heating and topography.
Polar Caps
CO₂ ice (seasonal) and H₂O ice (permanent). Up to 25% of atmosphere freezes in winter.
Thin but Dynamic
Large diurnal temperature swings (~80°C), thermal tides, topographically-driven winds.